Kaitlyn Hoevener and Cody Brasher put the finishing touches to the 160 fruit baskets put together by members of the Crothersville FFA and delivered Saturday to local residents.
A record of nearly 8.7 tons of food was distributed to needy Crothersville area families Saturday during the 20th annual FFA Toy & Food Drive.
Ninety-six families were assisted with food, fruit baskets and toys, according to local FFA chapter president Cody Brasher. Between contributions and fundraisers, the chapter raised and spent $11,500 for the annual holiday benefit.
The Crothersville-Vernon Township Volunteer Fire Department supplied the trucks and transportation allowing local FFA members to make personal visits to area elderly and needy.
“This year the requests for assistance was particularly high because of the sour economy,“ said FFA Advisor Linda Maxie. “But the local community, which has always supported the chapter’s efforts, stepped up to help us meet the need.”
Some surprise visitors to help with the local deliveries were Indiana state FFA officers.
“When our kids go to FFA leadership camp they always talk about the big benefit the toy & food drive is to our community,” said Maxie. “The state officers wanted to come to Crothersville to see for themselves the outpouring of assistance. They saw that this is a big deal locally.”
